sometimes, and not a lot*, but sometimes, we get lucky** and stumble over something magical*** and special. something that allows us to understand things a bit clearer. something that reminds us we’re in this together, and something that helps us to keep moving forward despite ourselves¹. often we forget it’s even there, but it is, and when we need it the most², we are reminded to smile and share and seek out even more in life. one such something is this, a brief excerpt from an amazing commencement speech given by the late, great³ David Foster Wallace to the 2005 graduating class of Kenyon College. it never fails to set me straight. enjoy.

*this will vary from person to person depending on a number of factors, so many in fact that it is impossible to express each and every one at this time.

** that is if you believe in luck. feel free to substitute this word freely for whatever you want to call it.

*** again, you may not believe in magic, so please feel free to substitute this word with a more appropriate adjective.

¹ or in spite of ourselves.

² or not. sometimes these things surface when we least expect it, or remind us of their presence as we wake and start our day. but for the sake of brevity and emphasis, let’s just say that they are there. end of discussion.